Governor Andrew Cuomo’s June 7th COVID Update
June 7, 2021.
New York has two goals: managing COVID and our vaccination progress, and reimagining and rebuilding our state. Per the CDC, New York has done more shots in arms per capita than any big state in the country—68.6 percent of adults have at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Today I announced that once we hit 70 percent, most of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted. This includes industry-specific capacity restrictions, social distancing, as well as other protocols in place. Until more New Yorkers are vaccinated, large-scale event venues, public transit, and pre-K to 12 schools still must follow the State’s guidelines. But the expected lifting of our COVID restrictions is a sign of how hard New Yorkers have worked to contain the spread. We have 1.4 percent to go until we can lift those restrictions—another great reason to get vaccinated.
Photo of the Day: The Empire State Building is partnering with New York State to offer exclusive events for Excelsior Pass holders.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. School districts can lift the requirement that students must wear masks outdoors. The State’s guidance on mask use indoors remains in place, but school districts may choose to no longer require masks outdoors, for example during recess. This change aligns with guidance relating to summer camps, where even unvaccinated campers are not required to wear masks outdoors.
2. COVID hospitalizations are at 799. Of the 70,635 tests reported yesterday, 463, or 0.66 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.51 percent. There were 206 patients in ICU yesterday, down two from the previous day. Of them, 120 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 9 New Yorkers to the virus.
3. As of 11am this morning, 68.6 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. Over the past 24 hours, 58,807 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 19,538,790 total doses with 59.5 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker.
4. Excelsior Pass will be used at Empire State Realty Trust properties in New York—including the Empire State Building. From June 10 to June 26, Excelsior Pass users can take advantage of evening experiences, a special sunrise event on June 13, and discounted tickets to the Empire State Building’s Observatory.
5. More than 2 million Excelsior Passes have been issued to date. Excelsior Pass is a convenient way to get digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination—so that you don’t have to worry about losing your CDC vaccine card. It is accepted at numerous large venues, bars, sports stadiums and more. Opt in at epass.ny.gov.
6. “To-go” alcohol beverages will continue. Near the start of the pandemic, New York permitted restaurants and bars to sell “to-go” cocktails, beer and other alcoholic beverages to help restaurants stay in business. This measure has been extended for an additional 30 days. (Drink responsibly.)
7. New York’s “Vax and Scratch” Lottery program is extended through June 11. Get vaccinated at any of 10 state vaccination sites and receive a free NYS Lottery scratch-off ticket with a grand prize of $5 million. Must be 18+ to participate. Learn more.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: At 93, a U.S. veteran was inspired by his great-granddaughter to finally receive his high school diploma. Pat Moore intended to graduate from Alvin High School in Texas in 1945 but was drafted by the Army Air Corps just before graduation. Decades later, he received his diploma alongside his great-granddaughter Bryssa.
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Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Posted: June 7th, 2021 under Heathcare News, State Government News.